Lodger Agreements and Contracts

Are you thinking of taking in a lodger? Its increasingly popular and a handy way to cover the costs of home ownership but there are a few things you should think about before getting started.

When planning to share a part of living space with a stranger (assuming you do not know them), you need to have solid knowledge about your legal rights for taking in a lodger, your responsibilities and what you can fairly expect from them in return.

It is completely up to the landlord whether to present the lodger with a written contract or whether to just have a verbal arrangement. However, it is always a good idea to have an official agreement signed by the landlord, the lodger as well as a witness. This way, there will be a clear understanding should a conflict arise.

In a normal tenancy agreemnt the tenant has 'exclusive possession' of the rented property. In a lodging relationship this is not the case! They share the residential area so you need to really think through what boudaries need to be in place so that everyone knows where they stand from day one.

It is recommended that you get to know the lodger as well as possible before they move (not always practical), so you can anticipate what sorts of issues might arise. Are they a smoker? Do you think they like listening to Heavy Metal music after dark? Anticipating these sorts of things means you can add specific clauses in the agreement as a preventive measure.

Points to include in the lodger’s agreement

Things like the monthly rent, the starting and ending dates of occupancy and the parts of the house to be shared with the lodger are some of the routine points to cover when making an agreement.

The amount of deposit to be paid before taking the lodging should also be included along with an assurance that the landlord will provide a receipt for the amount paid and it will be returned to the lodger at the end of occupancy after deducting any due amounts.

The agreement should clearly state the landlord’s rights and responsibilities as well as those of the lodger.

Council tax, insurances and utility bills (if applicable) to be paid by the lodger should also be mentioned in full detail. ( Include how, much, how its calculated, and when its paid).

The legal rights of the landlord evict the lodger should the lodger fail to pay the rent, tax or any other bills should also be included in the contract along with the notice period for eviction (the standard notice period is a minimum of 28 days - for practical reasons).

A few clauses stating the lodger’s responsibilities towards the landlord and his property as well as any visitors should also be added to prevent any future disputes. What happens if the lodger breaks a plate?

The duties of the landlord toward the rented area and its maintenance, to keep it in a proper state for inhabitation, are other important points to mention so the lodger knows the landlord to be aware of their obligations.

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A few other bestsellers below:

Section 21 Notice Requiring Possession - Our solicitor prepared Section 21 Notice is used to end a residential Assured Shorthold Tenancy either before or after the initial fixed term has ended. This is a mandatory document for any landlord wishing to regain possession. Continue

Section 8 Notice to Quit This is the legal notice you need when a tenant has failed to pay rent on time or in full and you either want them to leave your property immediately or give a final legal warning that eviction will be the next step if they do not pay you.Continue